During this television “off-season” when they are running episodes of shows that the networks ran only a few months ago, I am left hoping (again!) that they don’t cancel any of my four favorite sitcoms. Of course, as I have stated before, by liking a show, I sometimes find that I jinx it… and it is cancelled.
When a sitcom has a good premise, with well-defined and likable characters, good acting, and funny dialog >>> it’s a show I will invariably enjoy. Unfortunately, there are only four current sitcoms I have found to meet my personal qualifications. I have to admit that there are sitcoms on the air today that I used to enjoy. But, like most things that have lasted too many years, I find that they have become stale for me, and some have even become mean-spirited in their attempts to be funny.
Before I list my four current sitcoms, I will say that there was one I truly looked forward to, that is no longer on telelvision. It had an ensemble of six characters (one of whom was Jim Gaffigan – one of my two favorite comedians >>> Brian Regan being the other) with a very clever writing team. It was simply too good of a show: My Boys. If you get a chance to watch it, make sure you do so in chronological order. I loved this show!
Here are the four current sitcoms I follow/watch:
1) Modern Family: The focus is on three separate units of the same family – the older father with his second wife and her son, the daughter with her husband and three children, and the son with his partner and their daughter. Great writing, very funny.
2) Better With You: Again, the focus is on three units of the same family – the parents, one daughter with her live-in boyfriend, and the other daughter with her fiance. Very clever premise >>> how each of the very different couples see the same events. Very funny. (*This was written April of 2011, UNfortunately, the network made a huge mistake that season, and took the show off the air.)
3) The Middle: This sitcom follows a working class family, with three very different children. A good example of opposites attracting, and normal children who don’t continuously talk back and mug for the camera. (*This was written April of 2011 – as of November 2011, I stopped watching this show.)
4) Raising Hope: Very quirky. Revolves around a couple who had their son when they were extremely young. The couple live in her grandmother’s house, with their son who is Raising Hope, his daughter. The entire cast is great to watch. Cloris Leachman and Martha Plimpton have been favorites of mine for years. (*This was written April of 2011 – as of October 2011, I stopped watching this show.)
These four shows are pretty much the only sitcoms I watch. I hope they are still “current” and haven’t gotten my jinx cancellation walking papers.
Do you have any favorite sitcoms you think are worthy of your time?
kaye says
Modern Family and the Middle are two of our favorites also. Another show we always watch is The Big Bang Theory on Thursdays. I feel the same way you do; as soon as I like a show, it gets cancelled. The kiss of death!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kaye, you’re in luck that I don’t watch the Big Bang Theory… It will probably stay on for years and years!
Misty says
I enjoy Modern Family as well. I would also recommend Mike and Molly on CBS on Monday nights. Both are very funny shows and I hope they are on TV a long time.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Misty. I’ll have to check Mike and Molly out…
Laura says
Danna, thanks for not watching The Big Bang Theory — it’s my favorite 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laura, then you are in luck! I won’t be watching The Big Bang Theory any time soon – which means it should be on for a good long while…
Annette says
I also enjoy Mike and Molly and Big Bang THeory.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
There you go, Annette: two shows that (if I have anything to do with it!) shouldn’t be cancelled anytime soon!
Martha says
I agree with you on your choices! What turns me off quicker than anything is a show that thinks disrespect is cute. It’s hard enough to raise kids these days without bad reenforcement of this kind of mouth.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Martha, every once in a while, I try to “substitute” Opie talking to Andy like some of the “cute kids” on television today. Hmmm… I’m sure Barney would have had some “interesting” parenting advice for Andy about how “nipping it right in the bud”…
Petie says
Big Bang Theory has been a family favorite for us since day one. We also enjoy Psych – 2 very clever detectives – going into Season 6 and even the repeats are funny. In the past Frasier was one of our all time favorites – reruns are still so good.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Petie, I was a Frasier watcher, also… until the last few seasons…
Nan says
I so love The Middle. The acting and the stories are just excellent. There is real kindness displayed. And Brick. Oh, how adorable. We’ve taken on his whispers in this house. ‘Beefeaters’ ‘Scarlett Johansson’ ;<)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nan, isn’t Brick a riot!?! Actually, I love all three of those children. Sue’s cross country sweat shirt, and Axel’s brotherly love showing when you least expect it… priceless!
Kim says
The Middle. When Frankie wanted to watch the royal wedding I nearly wet my pants! Best show on tv.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kim, I loved, loved, loved the royal wedding episode… hilarious!